Topic and Sentence Outlines
A formal outline is a kind of graphic scheme of the logic of your paper. Two main types of outlines are
used:
1) The topic outline, and 2) the sentence outline.
The advantage of the topic outline, besides its brevity, is that its parallel structure reveals the logic
you will follow in your paper. The advantage of a sentence outline is that it helps you make sure you
become sufficiently specific about your subject, rather than simply generalizing. Regardless of what
type of outline you choose, you will need to have enough major headings to develop your topic fully
within the boundaries established by your thesis statement.
Note the following examples of topic and sentence outlines using the same thesis and subject
matter. (Check with your instructor about spacing.)
Thesis: The abuse of alcohol and drugs can affect a person economically, psychologically, and
physically.
Topic Outline:
I. Economical effects (Main idea)
A. Alcohol (Sub-idea)
1. Cost of alcohol purchases (Detail of A)
2. Cost of DUIs (Detail of A)
B. Drugs (Sub-point)
1. Cost of drug purchases (Detail of B)
2. Cost of drug arrest (Detail of B)
II. Psychological effects
A. Alcohol
1. Mental impairment
2. Mental addiction
B. Drugs
1. Mental impairment
2. Mental addiction
III. Physical effects
A. Alcohol